Payroll Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Payroll Officer to support the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and focused payroll service for the Council. Reporting to the Head of Payroll & Pensions, the postholder will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, maintaining compliance with statutory requirements, organisational policies and service level agreements. Acting as a first point of contact, the role provides professional advice and guidance to managers and employees, helping to resolve payroll queries and ensure a reliable and responsive service.

Working collaboratively with HR, D365 Support and a wide range of stakeholders, the Payroll Officer will help ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to payroll operations, particularly during periods of organisational change. The role requires strong attention to detail, effective use of payroll systems such as Zellis and CIVICA, and a commitment to maintaining accurate records in line with audit and data protection requirements. The postholder will also support employees with digital tools such as e-payslips and contribute to payroll reporting and processing activities.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to continuous service improvement while developing professional expertise within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

The successful candidate will have:-

• Proven experience in payroll and HR administration within a complex organisational environment
• Sound knowledge of PAYE legislation and its practical application
• Strong understanding of local authority pay and conditions and employment law principles
• Excellent numerical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience of using payroll and HR systems, ideally including D365, Zellis HCM and CIVICA
• Strong IT skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear advice to a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrable ability to build effective working relationships and deliver a customer-focused service
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• A proactive, flexible and resilient approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn